Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
The city of Palm Coast introduced plans Tuesday that will help protect students from getting hit by vehicles.
The Flagler county school district said five students have been hit this year, including one killed, while going to or from school.
The city says more than 5,000 students ride a bus to school.
On Tuesday, council members decided to put a pilot plan in place to install concrete bus stop pads where students will be able to stand.
The idea is to provide children with a place to wait that is off the street, adding a level of protection. When kids have no place to stand, they tend to roam around, run around, jump and play, which could easily lead to a collision with a moving vehicle.
The city will start with three bus stop pads at cost of between $800-$900 each. It also plans to add additional signs so drivers know it’s a bus stop.
While this certainly won’t solve all the problems with children and bus stop accidents, it’s a way to start. Many bus stops are along busy streets, and at certain times of the year, low-light conditions can make it harder for drivers to spot children who are in the road. Bus drivers may also have trouble seeing kids, especially when they unexpectedly move behind, under, or in front of the bus at a bus stop.
When waiting for the bus, children should be made aware of the following precautions:
- Stay at least 10 feet back from the edge of the road.
- Wait for the bus to stop completely before boarding.
- After getting off the bus, wait for the bus driver to signal that it is OK to cross the street.
- Use the handrail when entering or leaving the bus.
- Never walk behind the bus.
If you have any questions about how school bus safety might apply to your situation, a Florida Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.